Packing tips for life on the seas

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This will be my 8th cruise, so I've learned a thing or two about what can help make a cruise vacation easier. It's a fine line between making sure you have everything you need, and having way too much stuff in a small stateroom.

Virgin has thrown out the traditional dress code of cruising. You won't find formal nights with suits and cocktail dresses in the dining rooms like you would on other cruise lines. Even at their more upscale restaurants such as The Wake (steakhouse) you can come as you are, though I would recommend changing out of your bathing suit.  Feel free to not put on real pants the entire trip! 

That being said, the ship is designed to be "instagramable" so lean into it, treat yourself, and get dressed up for a night out on the seas.

Every Virgin Voyage has two theme nights. 

The first is called Scarlet Nights where the whole ship is drenched in Virgins icon color, so be sure to bring a red/scarlet outfit. Again, could be a simple tshirt, could be a ball gown, whatever you chose!

They will also be throwing a pajama pool party. Get creative, satin pajamas, night robes, lingerie (if you're feeling spiccyyyy). Take advantage that you can leave the party at the end and go straight to bed without changing.

I put together this Amazon list for easy shopping:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2T4B0GOZ728BT?ref_=wl_share

Your Passport! - We are traveling out of the country, so this one is a must. Your passport should be valid for 6 months past the trip.

Suntan Lotion - One thing I've learned recently is my skin doesn't tan like it used to. We also will be basking in the Caribbean sun in June, so plan accordingly! It's also important to buy REEF FRIENDLY lotion. More and more countries are requiring them.

Aloe - You're inevitably going to nap too long or get too drunk to remember to reapply every 2 hours, or not put on the right SPF, so bring some Aloe to help you sleep at night. Recommend finding one with a snap top so that you don't have to fiddle with the twisting the pump to close it at the end of the trip.

Limp Balm - Protect your lips too, make sure to get SPF lotion.

Towel Clips - It can get windy on the ship, so bring some clips to keep your towels in place. You do not need to bring a beach towel, you can get a fresh beach towel from the ship daily.

Antibacterial Hand soap - I take a $0.99 bottle with me to make sure my hands stay clean

Antibacterial soap/wet ones singles or travel size - Nice to have in your backpack when going on shore

Airpods/headphones - There's nothing like listening to Bob Marley as you look out on the Caribbean Sea

Folding clothes hamper - Packs easy and helps keep your dirty clothes organized

Extra ziplock bags or plastic grocery bags - Only need 2 or so, but nice to have if anything gets wet.

Magnet hooks - All the walls in the stateroom should be magnetic. These are very useful to dry bathing suits, hang a hat, etc.

Tide Pen - Keep those outfits looking fresh

Wrinkle Releaser - Cabins do not have irons or steamers. If needed you can pay to send it away to get pressed, but otherwise a travel wrinkle releaser spray will get the packing wrinkles out.

Poo-pouri - respect your cabin mate

Other essentials

Medicine/Prescriptions

Water bottle

Book bag or beach bag to go ashore

Cell Phone Charges

Copy of passport

Sunglasses

Eye glass cleaners

Over the Door Shoe Organizer  - Helps keep your cabin organize. Use it to hold sun tan lotion, extra toiletries, charging cord, tide pens, etc. Clear ones are best so you can see what is in each pocket.

Mobile Phone Charger - Nice to have on the island if your phone needs a boost

Bug Spray - I've never had a need for it, but bugs also don't bother me much. If you are doing an excursion in the jungle or deep inland I would recommend bringing some

Book - It's your on vacation, enjoy some alone time on your hammock on the balcony and get lost in a good book

Snorkle kit - Check out the locals under the sea

Sea Sickness Medication - While the ship is large, you will feel motion on the ship. I've never had any issues with sea sickness on a cruise, but its best to be prepared. Buy ahead of time and read the instructions, some want you to start prior to boarding the ship.

Night light - especially if you get an inside cabin. Those can get dark with all the lights off.

Pens/Highlighter/Post It Notes - inevitably these get used every. Easy way to request something from your stateroom attendant if you don't see them in the hall.

Wash cloth - you don't need to pack these, they provide them on the ship, but request extras the first day, they are crucial for when the suntan lotion and sweat starts running in your eyes.

We are sailing international waters to a foreign country, so leave the gummies at home. Check out the link below for other prohibited items. If you can't bring it on the plane, you probably can't bring it on the ship.

https://www.virginvoyages.com/safety-security/prohibited-items